One of the fascinating thing about living creatures is the ability to adapt. We’ve seen this happen in countless species, including humans. However, more recently, a study done by scientists David Shahar and Mark G. L. Sayers has us a little concerned as it appears that millennials are starting to grow horns on their skulls.
By that, we don’t mean in a demonic or occult kind of way, but rather these “horns” are growing at the base of the skull. This is a condition known as enlarged external occipital protuberance (EEOP), and it seems to be happening rather frequently with those who are aged 18-30 years old, although in the past, it was something that seemed to occur with those who are older.
There is nothing sinister about these horns, but rather it seems to be an evolutionary response to our modern lives, where we spend a lot of time looking down at our phones, causing strain our necks. The growth of these horns is the skeleton’s way of dealing with the strain. According to the researchers, “We hypothesize EEOP may be linked to sustained aberrant postures associated with the emergence and extensive use of hand-held contemporary technologies, such as smartphones and tablets.”
While these horns are not dangerous, the researchers tell the Washington Post that it is a sign that the head and neck and not in proper configuration and it could be an implication of “something nasty going on elsewhere”. This is not the first time we’ve heard of this phenomenon also known as “texting neck”, although this is the first time we’re actually seeing physical evidence of it.